Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is the second largest airport in the Philippines. To strengthen its role as an international gateway, there is an ongoing development project which includes extended airfield and terminal facilities. The MCIA Terminal 2 project will transform the airport into a world-class facility that is able to handle the increasing traffic and passenger volume. Vector Foiltec is proud to be awarded the Texlon® ETFE work at MCIA.

Vector Foiltec's scope of work
Vector Foiltec's scope of work includes the design, supply and installation of a 3600 m2, two-layer Texlon® ETFE system, which covers the drop-off canopy and the connecting bridge. As the connecting bridge forms the entrance to this beautiful airport, the Texlon® ETFE system will ensure transparency, so passengers can still see the terminal in its full glory as they enter underneath the bridge. In addition to transparency being beneficial, ETFE is lightweight, so it incorporated much larger panels than traditional glass cladding. This results in less steelwork and more visibility, while protection passengers from the elements. A reduced steel design also ensures less costs and reducing the environmental impact. Vector Foiltec is commissioned to design and engineer the steelwork, ensuring the result is lightweight and elegant. While engineering the ETFE, the team must also consider high wind loads, which can be over 200 km/h during typhoons.

Project Team
Vector Foiltec's client is the consortium of GMR Infrastructure Ltd. of India and Megawide Construction Corp of the Philippines, developers of MCIA. The Architects are Hong Kong-based Integrated Design Associates (IDA).

Extension to handle the increasing traffic and passenger volume
Upon opening, MCIA Terminal 2 is designed to handle up to 5 million passengers per annum. Its modular design will allow a capacity increase of up to 8 million passengers per annum within 10 years. The project will be completed in June 2018.

About Texlon® ETFE
ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a modified copolymer which has been adapted for use in the architectural, design and construction industries. It is unique in that it boasts exceptional longevity, is fully recyclable and resists ultra-violet light. The building material is also self-cleansing, improving cost efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint.

About Vector Foiltec
Vector Foiltec is the inventor and world leader of ETFE building envelopes and has completed over 1500 projects since its founding 35-years ago. Covering spaces for many different applications such as retail, offices, sports stadia, and of course zoos and botanical gardens with our Texlon® ETFE system. Vector Foiltec has a deep understanding of engineering ETFE applications and refer to our extensive research and development in ETFE technology.